Identify the contributions of social classes to ancient Egyptian society; analyze how cultures address human needs and concerns; describe the roles of citizens in historical cultures; identify points of view from a historic context.

In ancient Egypt, individuals belonged to three very distinct social classes—royalty, free people, and chattel, each class playing a crucial role in the well-being of the society as a whole. Members of these social classes included pharaohs, queens, and the noble court (royalty); priests, soldiers, scribes, merchants, artisans, and farmers (free people); and serfs/slaves (chattel). Movement between the three classes was uncommon. However, movement within a class was routine. For example, the son of a farmer might become a soldier, and the son of a merchant might become a scribe. Occupation and social class determined a person’s income level, freedoms, and status within Egyptian society.

• CA  Historical Interpretation: 1
• TX  113.33(1): a; 113.33(17): b; 113.33(18): c; 113.38(1): c
• FL  SS.A.2.4: 2
• NCSS  I (HS): a; III (HS): g; IV (HS): c

2 class periods

• Activity Sheet, From Pharaohs to Slaves: Ancient Egypt's Social Hierarchy
• Graphic Organizer, Concept Map
• Writing Rubric

Students have the opportunity to write an Analytical Essay (see Extension below).

What critical role did each social class play in ancient Egyptian society?

Historical Interpretation Assuming the point of view of a member of ancient Egyptian society, students will write a journal entry describing their daily life, responsibilities, privileges, contributions, and hardships. Students will research the social classes of ancient Egypt, including the political, economic, and social climate of the time period

Have students research the topics using the provided links. Encourage them to use the suggested graphic organizer as they read the articles.

A member of Egyptian society draws water from the Nile River from a well to use for irrigation.

To start students thinking about the role each social class played in Egyptian society, have them examine the drawing.

Key questions students should answer are:

• What technology is the man in the picture using, and how would it make his job more efficient?
• Based on the man’s clothing and the nature of the work he is doing, what do you think is his social class? Why?

Distribute the Student Activity sheet. Assign each student one of the roles listed below.

• Pharaoh
• Member of Royal Court
• Priest
• Soldier
• Scribe
• Merchant
• Artisan
• Farmer
• Slave

Tell students that they will read and take notes from the appropriate Daily Life Online articles. Using what they have learned, they will write a one-page, first-person journal entry describing a typical day in ancient Egypt. Remind students to include sensory details and visual descriptions in their writing. The journal entry must include one illustration and 5–10 specific facts relevant to the assigned role.

Tell students that they will read their journal entries to the class.

Use the Writing Rubric to assess students’ performance.

Have students reflect on their work and use the list of expectations to judge how well they met the criteria.

Ask students: Which social class provided the greatest contribution to the success of Egyptian society? Why?

Expository Writing Have students use Daily Life Online to research and write about the ways in which Egyptian society changed throughout history. Critical Thinking: ANALYZE